Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, who was the first California House member to endorse Barack Obama for president, on Monday was named the campaign’s Western Regional Co-Chair, with responsiblity for helping to turn out the vote in all western states.

Lee, a fan of Obama’s strong stance against the Iraq war, said she’s honored to take the job, and reiterated her vow to do all she can to see him elected. A Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair (with Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, who has endorsed Hillary Clinton), Lee has been in South Carolina for the past few days rallying voters for Obama.

“Senator Obama is a real agent of change who can can and will lead our nation in this young century in a new and positive direction,” she said. “I know that a President Obama would find a prompt and effective way to end the occupation of Iraq and that he would strengthen US diplomacy and international development as an instrument of national policy to prevent crises that lead to war and conflagration.”

Obama said he’s honored and proud to have her represent him: “Congresswoman Lee had the courage to stand up against the war from the start and she passionately fights for economic and social justice. Congresswoman Lee will provide a significant boost in our efforts to mount a successful campaign throughout the West on February 5th.”